Malawian engineer and entrepreneur Sanga Kanthema is reshaping healthcare in southern Africa through biomedical innovation and robotics. Based in Blantyre, he leads Dolphin Health Innovation, a start-up designing smart medical devices for low-resource environments.
Kanthema, who works at the intersection of electronic engineering and equipment manufacturing, focuses on building tools that meet the realities of rural Africa. Since founding Dolphin Health Innovation in 2018, he has pushed to equip healthcare systems with telehealth technologies tailored for areas with weak infrastructure.
His company develops real-time ECG sensors that can transmit cardiac signals remotely, even in zones with limited connectivity. These devices rely on algorithmic data compression and intuitive mobile interfaces, allowing for continuous monitoring, early diagnosis, and remote intervention.
Kanthema also founded Qubix Robotics in 2022 to drive local manufacturing. The company builds CNC machines, 3D printers, and robotic systems to automate industrial production across healthcare, transport, and telecom sectors. Its mission: to strengthen Africa’s industrial independence.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Kanthema champions tech education. As a TME Education ambassador, he promotes electronics training in underserved regions. He also represents IdeaXme, a global network supporting socially-driven science and innovation.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Ebrima Fatty, a Gambian entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in finance and technology, is connecting local producers, retailers, and consumers through a digital platform he created.
Fatty is the founder and CEO of AfricaSokoni, a London-based e-commerce company launched in 2017. The platform targets African markets, with a strong focus on Kenya.
AfricaSokoni, which means "market" in Swahili, links local businesses, producers, and artisans to regional demand. It also gives individuals easy access to a broad range of goods through its user-friendly online interface.
The platform supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers, and artisans with tools for supply chain management, financing, and digital promotion. For everyday consumers, AfricaSokoni offers products in electronics, fashion, beauty, home appliances, and telecommunications.
AfricaSokoni integrates services like inventory management, stock tracking, automated orders, and supplier relationship management. The company also builds partnerships to help small businesses manage cash flow and access services like marketing, content creation, packaging, and logistics—even paving the way to international markets.
"AfricaSokoni is a comprehensive platform dedicated to empowering the MSME sector in Africa and helping businesses grow and thrive. If you are a small or medium-sized business looking to succeed in Africa, we invite you to join our platform and discover the many ways we can support you," the company says.
Alongside his entrepreneurial work, Fatty serves as a product manager at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Saudi Arabia.
He earned his Master's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2000.
Fatty began his career the same year at Deloitte as a senior auditor. In 2001, he joined the Gambia Capacity Building for Economic Management Project as financial controller. There, he worked on strengthening government capacity in economic policy, judicial reforms, and private sector development until 2005.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Gabon is deepening international partnerships to fast-track its digital transformation. After recent discussions with Botswana, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has now turned to Turkey for support.
On July 29, Mark Alexandre Doumba, Gabon's Minister of the Digital Economy, met with Can İncesu, Turkey's Ambassador to Gabon, to discuss expanding digital cooperation.
During the meeting, Doumba presented Gabon’s digital roadmap. He emphasized four key priorities: modernizing public administration, expanding digital infrastructure, ensuring data governance and technological sovereignty, and training young digital talent.
Ambassador İncesu expressed Turkey’s interest in supporting Gabon’s efforts. He highlighted potential cooperation in e-government systems, electronic signatures, remote payment solutions for public services, and telecom infrastructure development in underserved areas.
Turkey ranks 27th out of 193 countries on the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.8913, well above the global average of 0.6382. It scores 0.9225 in online services, 0.9192 in human capital, and 0.8322 in telecom infrastructure.
In 2024, Turkey reported 87.3% internet penetration and 96% mobile coverage, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). On the 2025 ICT Development Index, Turkey scored 88.5 out of 100.
Gabon currently ranks 121st globally on the EGDI, with a score of 0.5741. The country performs strongly in telecom infrastructure (0.8263) but lags in online services (0.3188) and human capital (0.5772).
Despite these gaps, Gabon aims to boost the digital sector’s share of GDP to 10–12% by end-2025, up from around 5%. The government also wants to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on extractive industries by investing in digital tools and services.
While both sides expressed strong intent, the partnership remains at an early stage. So far, no official agreement has been signed. The two parties agreed to continue technical discussions to identify high-impact projects for Gabonese citizens.
The road to a full partnership still needs building. Future meetings will determine the real scope and effectiveness of this cooperation.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Nigeria is advancing its digital transformation agenda through a partnership between NITDA and Google. Director General Kashifu Inuwa and Google’s VP Marcus Jadotte met with key government figures, including Ministers of Interior, Communications, and Education, as well as the National Security Adviser.
NITDA and Google share a vision to position Nigeria as a West African leader in AI and cybersecurity. Their efforts focus on equipping students with digital skills, preparing a future-ready workforce, and improving national productivity.
This partnership is also expected to attract foreign investment, support national security through digital intelligence, and drive inclusive economic growth.
He analyzes user behavior, pinpoints challenges, and then converts those limitations into successful products. Leveraging his expertise in marketing and strategy, he develops services that appeal to a broad audience.
Elias Mahugnon Missihoun (photo), a Beninese entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Axa Zara, a company that designs digital tools for individuals and businesses using technical and creative talent.
Founded in 2019, Axa Zara develops technology solutions now used by over 150,000 people globally. The company states its mission is to expand access to digital services in Africa.
Among its products is Zeyow, a platform allowing users to generate virtual bank cards in minutes for online payments at reduced and transparent rates. Axa Zara also developed Moneroo, a tool for businesses to centralize multiple payment gateways through a single integration. This solution aims to simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve customer relationship management.
The company also offers Mailzeet, an infrastructure for sending transactional emails. This service enables real-time tracking of message performance using indicators such as open and click rates to optimize campaigns. Lastly, Chariow provides an interface for creating and selling digital products accessible worldwide.
Elias Mahugnon Missihoun earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, and business in 2022 from Benin’s private university ISM Adonaï. He also holds an entrepreneurship and leadership certificate from HEC Morocco and a business strategy certificate from Harvard Business School Online.
Melchior Koba
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Senegal and Alibaba Cloud signed a $5M deal to host Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on sovereign cloud infrastructure.
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Agreement includes local data hosting, training 200 engineers, and post-Games use as national public cloud.
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Supports Senegal’s digital sovereignty strategy and follows PM Sonko’s June 2025 China visit.
The Senegalese government announced on Monday, July 28, it signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Alibaba Cloud in Hangzhou. The initiative aims to provide secure, high-performance, and sovereign cloud infrastructure for the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for Dakar in 2026. It will also establish a lasting digital ecosystem in Senegal.
According to Selina Yuan (photo, center), Vice President of Alibaba Group and President of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence International, this is the first time a world-class cloud technology will support an Olympic event in Africa. She added that Alibaba aims to deliver an efficient, secure, and innovative digital experience for athletes, organizers, and spectators through its proven cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities.
The agreement includes an initial investment of $5 million to deploy Alibaba Cloud’s hybrid Apsara Stack solution. This will allow for local data hosting that complies with international standards. The partnership also covers training 200 cloud engineers, creating a technology center of excellence, and implementing digital services for the Youth Olympic Games, including ticketing, e-transport, and live streaming. After the event, the infrastructure is expected to become a national public cloud to support public and private sector services.
This partnership follows Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s official visit to China in June 2025. It aligns with the "New Deal Technologique," Senegal's national strategy to boost digital sovereignty through innovation, local infrastructure, and training. The agreement also marks a new step in strengthening technological ties between Dakar and Beijing.
With this initiative, Senegalese authorities aim to make the Youth Olympic Games a technological springboard and reinforce their digital sovereignty strategy. Developing local expertise through training 1,000 young people via the Alibaba Cloud Academy and establishing robust infrastructure should help Senegal accelerate its digital transformation while promoting innovation and skilled employment.
Samira Njoya
Charles Oligbo, a Nigerian fintech entrepreneur based in the United States, rethinks how banks connect with their customers through digital innovation. He founded and leads Sawport Inc, a company that modernizes banking by creating virtual branches powered by artificial intelligence.
Since its launch in 2021, Sawport developed a platform that replicates physical bank interactions online. The “Virtual Branch” environment allows customers to communicate with advisors in real time via videoconference, eliminating the need for traditional phone calls or emails.
The platform integrates multiple features, including audio and video calls, instant messaging, appointment scheduling, automatic call-back, identity verification, facial recognition, electronic signatures, omnichannel management, real-time translation, and automated multilingual support.
In addition to running Sawport, Oligbo serves on the executive committee of the North American Fintech Coalition. This group supports credit unions and community banks across the US and Canada, advancing technology adoption.
Oligbo holds a bachelor’s degree in computer and electrical engineering from the University of Akron and a bachelor’s in computer and information sciences plus a master’s in management information systems from Park University.
He began his career in 2005 with an electrical engineering internship at FirstEnergy, a US utility company. He then worked as a support engineer at IT firm VeeMost Technologies in 2008. In 2013, he became digital project manager for Seattle’s public administration. In 2015, Oligbo took the role of technical director for projects at Wondr Health, supporting digital transformation in Dallas. From 2019, he led implementation at fintech Alkami Technology. Between 2023 and 2024, he managed innovation programs at BSN SPORTS, a US sports equipment supplier.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Nigeria and Google are expanding their partnership to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital education.
On July 25, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Google reaffirmed their commitment to making Nigeria a regional leader in AI and cybersecurity. NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa met with Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy (Cloud), Marcus Jadotte, during a series of strategic meetings in Abuja.
The discussions zeroed in on four key areas: integrating AI into public services, digitising the education system, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and driving local innovation. Google pledged to support Nigeria’s push to modernise public institutions by expanding cloud infrastructure and cutting tech costs.
These talks followed Google’s recent announcement of a $37 million investment to boost AI development in Africa. The funding will support research, training, infrastructure, and the design of AI solutions tailored to African contexts. As part of this expansion, Google recently opened an AI community centre in Accra, Ghana, underlining its commitment to long-term presence in sub-Saharan Africa.
The timing of this renewed partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital ambitions. The government is intensifying efforts to build a resilient digital ecosystem, anchored by its “3MTT” (Three Million Technical Talent) programme. The initiative aims to train millions of young Nigerians in future-proof digital skills, with AI as a central pillar.
Google’s collaboration could play a critical role in scaling local talent, boosting innovation, and generating homegrown solutions for Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
He aims to streamline everyday services in Algeria. His approach involves experimenting with and implementing practical solutions within the local technology sector.
Mohamed Salah Tourab (photo), an Algerian technology and innovation entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Wajeez Technologies. Through the startup, he aims to integrate new technologies to improve service delivery across Algeria.
Wajeez Technologies, founded in 2018 as FoodBeeper, specializes in logistics and on demand services in North Africa. The company's mission is to simplify daily life by providing access to meal delivery, groceries, errands, and mobile top ups through a single digital platform.
Available on iOS and Android, the Wajeez Technologies mobile app functions as a "super app." It allows users to place online orders from hundreds of partner shops and track deliveries in real time. Deliveries typically complete within an hour in urban centers.
The platform includes a loyalty and subscription program offering cashback, bonus points, accelerated rewards, and exclusive access to a courier service for fast sending or receiving of items. It also provides a dedicated interface for local merchants to boost visibility, increase demand, and independently digitize order management.
Before Wajeez Technologies, Tourab co-founded DZ Tenders, a leading platform for monitoring and analyzing public tenders in Algeria, where he served as CEO until 2020. In 2020, he also helped launch Kawarir, an online store for artisanal products.
Melchior Koba
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340,000 used Tik Tak loans in 2024 to support business or urgent needs, Orange reports.
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Loans range from 5,000 to 1 million CFA francs, with AI-based eligibility via Orange’s Max It app.
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Main users: traders (35%), professionals and civil servants (22% each), farmers/fishers (9%).
340,000 individuals accessed Tik Tak loans in 2024, Orange informs in its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility report. The document states the loans enabled clients to fund their businesses, expand facilities, or invest in equipment.
Tik Tak loans provide a simple and convenient financing option for Orange Money users, allowing quick access to funds. Orange Bank Africa supports these loans, but Orange partners with other banks in countries where Orange Bank Africa does not operate.
Users' borrowing capacity is determined through Orange’s Max It super app. The report explained that artificial intelligence and Orange Money data allow users to instantly know their borrowing capacity before applying.
The standard Tik Tak loan allows users to borrow between 5,000 CFA francs, about $9, and 50,000 CFA francs. Tik Tak Plus and Tik Tak Prestige subscribers can borrow up to 500,000 CFA francs and 1 million CFA francs, respectively. Traders make up 35% of the service's users. Individuals in specialized professions like healthcare, crafts, and services, along with civil servants and teachers, each account for 22%. Farmers and fishers represent the smallest group at 9%.
Beyond these figures, the Tik Tak service is becoming a tool for strengthening community economic resilience. For many users, this microcredit helps cover urgent expenses and boost productivity. Aubin, a trader in Côte d’Ivoire, stated that a 300,000 CFA franc Tik Tak loan allowed him to buy inventory and restart his business after a difficult period.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Ahmed Zaki focuses on boosting financing access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. After working in banking, he co-founded Flend to test digital tools that meet the cash flow needs of smaller companies.
Ahmed Zaki, an Egyptian entrepreneur and CEO of Flend, is leading this Cairo-based startup that creates digital financing solutions tailored for SMEs.
Founded in 2022 by Ahmed Zaki, Nehal Helmy, and Saif Edeen El Bendari, Flend provides fully digital short-term cash loans. The platform handles every step—from registration and credit scoring to electronic signatures and installment collection.
Flend links with over twenty technical partners that manage SME value chains across agro-industry, e-commerce, manufacturing, retail, and export. The Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority officially recognizes Flend as a digital non-bank financial institution.
The startup recently raised $3 million in a seed round that combines equity and debt financing, led by Egypt Ventures. Ahmed Zaki said, “This round allows us to finance SMEs where they do business—within the platforms that drive Egypt’s economy.” He added, "We’ve seen rising demand and are ready to scale our reach."
Flend, Egypt’s pioneering digital lending platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has successfully closed a $3 million seed funding round to digitally transform SME lending in Egypt.
— InnovationVillage (@innovationville) July 23, 2025
Click the link to read more:https://t.co/NgyopRNeVd#innovationvillage
Ahmed Zaki earned a bachelor's degree in international business from the Modern University for Business and Science in Egypt in 2006. He later completed a master’s in financial mathematics at The George Washington University School of Business in the United States in 2017.
He began his career in 2007 at Arab Bank as a corrective loans manager. In 2010, he joined CIB Egypt bank, serving as a market risk specialist, credit analyst, business analysis manager, and commercial analysis director during his tenure.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Many South African SMEs face serious hurdles like lack of financing, limited market access, and skills shortages. These challenges slow their growth in the ICT sector. Samsung is stepping up its support to tackle these problems head-on.
On July 21, Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, announced a new phase of its Enterprise Equity Investment Program (EEIP). The program runs in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). This phase targets Black-owned SMEs in information and communications technology, focusing especially on emerging startups and women entrepreneurs.
Nicky Beukes, EEIP project director at Samsung South Africa, said, “This is our way of ensuring that we empower South Africa’s digital future by helping ICT entrepreneurs thrive as we deepen our commitment and collaboration with DTIC[...] As Samsung, we also understand how much entrepreneurship contributes to job creation, community development and how it fosters innovation and drives economic growth.”
Launched in 2019, the program aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) for 2030 and the Black Economic Empowerment policy (B-BBEE). It funds with 280 million rand (about $15.9 million) to address key barriers faced by small businesses: limited capital, a shortage of technical skills, difficult market integration, and digital risks.
For this third phase, Samsung broadens eligibility to include more early-stage startups. It also boosts female participation in technology sectors. This move aims to build a more representative digital ecosystem and unlock innovation potential in traditionally underrepresented groups.
The program offers intensive training, mentoring, management support, and focused grants to help SMEs grow. Recently, several supported SMEs have established themselves in repair services and technology hubs. Through the EEIP, Samsung hopes to drive a resilient and inclusive digital economy in South Africa.
This article was initially published in English by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
He focuses on access and cost issues in the digital sector. He closely monitors the realities of emerging markets and is committed to solutions tailored to local constraints.
Gour Lentell, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur based in Johannesburg, is the co-founder and CEO of Datafree Technologies, a company specializing in mobile data optimization.
Founded in 2008, Datafree Technologies aims to eliminate mobile data costs to expand digital access in emerging markets. Its model applies the toll-free number principle to mobile internet, allowing users to access websites, applications, and online content without using their data plans or airtime. The companies offering these online services cover the connection cost.
Datafree Technologies partners with mobile network operators by installing a system that identifies user traffic and bills client companies. It offers a cloud platform that allows businesses to manage their data free services by creating dedicated domains, setting quotas, monitoring usage, and generating analytical reports.
Lentell is also the founder and CEO of MoyaApp, a super-app offering data-free messaging and other content accessible without a data plan. MoyaApp has over 6.5 million monthly active users in South Africa and is developed by Datafree Technologies.
Before founding these ventures, Lentell co-founded Sabela Media in 1998, a real-time behavioral targeting ad server technology company, where he served as Executive Chairman until 2000. In 2001, he co-founded Decide Interactive Pty Ltd, serving as Executive Director until 2005.
Lentell graduated from Lancaster University in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in operational research. His professional career began in 1987 at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as a management consultant in London, England, and Sydney, Australia. Between 1992 and 1996, he worked at technology company Oracle in Australia as Industry Consulting Director.
Melchior Koba
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Liberia launches mobile tax payment system via *144#, in partnership with Orange Money and Ecobank.
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Covers 18 government agencies; no internet needed; users get SMS confirmation.
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Aims to boost inclusion, transparency, and revenue through digital access.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) finalized an agreement on Wednesday, July 23, with Orange Money Liberia and Ecobank for a new digital system. This system will allow citizens to pay taxes and public fees directly via their mobile phones.
“In just five quick steps, a taxpayer can complete a transaction, receive confirmation, and move on with their day,” said Maxwell Dodd, CEO of Orange Money Liberia. “We are excited to partner with the LRA and Ecobank to help modernize Liberia's tax system.”
Taxpayers can now make payments by dialing the USSD code *144#, without needing an internet connection. By entering their Tax Identification Number (TIN), the amount due, and the type of payment, they instantly receive an SMS confirmation. The service already covers 18 ministries and government agencies. Public officials have been trained to ensure its effective rollout.
The initiative aims to simplify tax payments, especially for populations living far from urban centers. It also enhances the transparency and traceability of public revenue. It promotes financial inclusion by being accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.
In the medium term, this platform could help broaden the tax base, increase state revenue, and improve administrative efficiency. Liberia is aligning with a regional trend where mobile finance is becoming a tool for transforming public services. In the longer term, this public-private partnership model could inspire other West African countries as they transition toward more digital, inclusive, and locally adapted governance.
Adoni Conrad Quenum